What should you know about high dose flu shot?

The vaccine trains the immune system to recognise selected influenza strains. It cannot cause influenza because it uses non-live material; you can read about an Inactivated Vaccine for more detail. Protection is not immediate and the vaccine does not prevent every respiratory illness, so hand hygiene and staying away from others when ill remain useful.

Tell the vaccinator about previous vaccine reactions, severe allergies, current illness, pregnancy, immune problems and medicines. After the injection, soreness, redness, tiredness or a mild fever can occur for a short time. Rest, drink fluids and follow local advice. Keep your seasonal vaccination record and ask when the next dose is due.

Seek urgent help for breathing difficulty, swelling of the face or throat, widespread hives, collapse or rapidly worsening illness after vaccination. These can signal a serious allergic reaction. Contact a clinician for persistent fever, severe weakness or symptoms that concern you; do not assume every illness after a shot is caused by the vaccine.

Ask whether the high-dose formulation is suitable for you, which product is available, how it differs from the standard option, what reactions to expect, and how vaccination fits with your other scheduled vaccines.